Even a simple thing like taking a stroll around a Danish city can tell you about this country's deep commitment to combating climate change and supporting the welfare of its people. Copenhagen's approach to sustainability quickly stood out to me; even the smallest details on the streets—like the city’s trash bins—have a deeper meaning and purpose than what meets the eye.

On the evening of an otherwise warm and comfortable June day in 2011, Copenhagen, Denmark, experienced a rare but intense natural disaster that would forever change its approach to climate resilience.